571st Billigheim Purzel Market

Here on the riding fields in Billigheim, there is a lot of activity on the 3rd Sunday in September - a South Palatinate village out of control! This is when the festive procession and the traditional Purzel Festival take place - a spectacle for the whole family!The Billigheimer Purzel Market is the oldest folk festival in the Palatinate and has been celebrated for over 500 years. Even in the Middle Ages, Billigheim was a place of economic significance, which is why the village received town rights in the 15th century, along with market freedom. On April 27, 1450, the "Dorff zu Büllikem" was granted the right by King Friedrich III to hold a weekly market on Wednesdays and a three-day fair on the Sunday before St. Gallus (October 16). The weekly market no longer exists today, but the "Gallus Market" has a long history.Initially, the Gallus Market was celebrated together with the church consecration from Sunday to Tuesday. To conclude, a market closure celebration was held on Tuesday, which early on became an attraction for visitors from near and far. For the amusement of the people, the most peculiar games and competitions were held, foremost among them the "Purzeln" which later gave the market the name "Purzelmarkt." But disciplines like tree climbing, water carrying, cloth jumping, ring jousting, and later in the 19th century, equestrian competitions were also on the agenda.Even today, the Purzel Market is celebrated greatly by locals as well as guests, and traditions are preserved. The folk festival takes place from Friday to Monday in September, including a large festive procession, folk competitions, and the conclusion with a children's program and live music on Monday.Welcome to the Purzel Market in Billigheim! Cheers. The Palatinate!